Brick laying device

ABSTRACT

A guideline holder for us by a brickmason when planning and progressively laying up horizontal courses of bricks within the encompassing confines of the upwardly converging facia or freeze boards of a gable end frame structure. Each holder comprises a Ushaped adapted bracket which can be readily attached to the inward inclined edge portion of the facia board and which is provided with an upstanding hook to which the guideline is connected. The bight portion of the bracket is provided with a complemental L-type square whose depending short leg is provided with a properly calibrated level indicating and measuring scale.

' United States Patent Inventor [72] Buddy Arnold Williams Rte 2, Toecoa, Ga. 30577 [21 Appl. No. 843,348 [22] Filed July 22, 1969 [45] Patented Mar. 23, 1971 [54] BRICK LAYING DEVICE 6 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs. 52 Us. 33/86 [51] Int. Cl B43l 7/00 [50] Field of Search 33/85, 86 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,809,434 10/1957 Cordier 33/85 2,991,557 7/196] Bongiovanni 33/85 Primary Examiner-Leonard Forman Assistant Examiner-Charles E. Phillips Attorneys-Clarence A. OBrien and l-larey B. Jacobson l ABSTRACT: A guideline holder for us by a brickmason when planning and progressively laying up horizontal courses of bricks within the encompassing confines of the upwardly converging facia or freeze boards of a gable end frame structure. Each holder comprises a U-shaped adapted bracket which can be readily attached to the inward inclined edge portion of the facia board and which is provided with an upstanding hook to which the guideline is connected. The bight portion of the bracket is provided with a complemental L-type square whose depending short leg is provided with a properly calibrated level indicating and measuring scale.

bricklayers and brickmasons.

BRICK LAYING DEVICE This invention relates to desirably new and significantly useful improvements in guideline holders which are properly paired for time and labor saving use and has to do, more particularly, with a one-piece readily applicable and removable adapter bracket which is characterized by two unified units,

namely, a U-shaped adapter bracket and a simple easy-to-use L-shaped level and which dispenses with the needfor either a level or a rule.

As will be evident from the introductory statement of the inventive concept it embodies the adoption and use of a pair of duplicate or like guideline holders. However and for purposes of simplification, the disclosure pertains, more specifically speaking, to a single one of the holders. It follows that a description of a single holder such as is herein disclosed and emphasized will suffice for both holders. Each holder, generally stated, is characterized by two component parts or units which are unified to provide a simple and practical adaptation which has been found to be such that it is easy to carry with other tools' such as are currently being used by Briefly, each holder comprises an adapter bracket which, broadly construed, is substantially U-shaped in plan view.. It

embodies a one-piece adaptation made from appropriate strap metal of requisite thickness. and width. The inward longitudinally straight flat-faced arm has a knurled or milled inner surface which is adapted to bridge a surface portion of the inner side of the aforementioned facia board. The outer spaced parallel arm is slightly shorter and it too has an interior and the upper edge is provided atan inward corner with an upstanding L-shaped or equivalent hook to which a portion of the tautened guideline is detachably connected when in use. This bight portion is also provided with a lockable adjusting screw .whose free end'is cooperable with a surface of a hingedly mounted elongated plate which abuts and ridesalong the inclined edge of the facia board and serves as a bracket angling, plumbing and position-changing shoe. The 'hookequipped corner portion of the bracket is provided with an L- type square. More specifically, thelong arm of the square is welded to the bight portion "of the bracket and the short leg is such that it depends to a plane below the plane of the bracket and has at least one surface calibrated to provide a measuring scale. This measuring scale is skillfully used by the brickmason in ascertaining and determining the level of the just-completed row or course of bricks whereby to permit the user toin'stall the guideline at an elevation indicating the top surfaces of the next-above or adjacent courseor row of bricks.

A holder, more particularly an adapter bracket, possesse on the self-contained features shown and described provides a feasible time-and-labor saving device which can be readily attached and removed, can he slid in a step-by-step manner up the inclined edge of the facia board, which serves to locate the coacting legs of the square at the locale and level desired, and which renders the lineattaching hook readily available and places the line in a plane which enables the user to achieve the desired end results with efficiency and satisfaction.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of com struction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings'forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a guideline holder constructed in accordance 'with the principles of the inve'ntionand with the guideline omitted;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view showing the gable end framing, showing portions of the brickwork at the bottom thereof and, what is more important,-showing a pair of the holders in a ready-to-use relationship and also with the masons guideline in its intended planningand bricklaying position;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the horizontal section line 3-3 of FIG. 2, looking in the direction of the indicating arrows; and t FIG 4 is a view with parts in section and elevation taken approximately on the plane of the section line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

With reference first to FIG. 2 it will be noted that the aforementioned triangulate gable-end framing or frame structure is denoted, generally stated, by the numeral 6 and is made up of regular component parts including upwardly converging facia boards (also freeze boards) which are denoted at 8 and which have inclined or angled inward edges at 10 with which the featured invention icooperates. The brickwork is denoted, generally stated, by the numeral 12 and the bricks in the justfinished course or row I4 are denoted at 16. As before stated, the overall concept comprises a masons guideline l8 and duplicate properly paired holders. Each holder is the same in construction and a description of one will suffice for both. With this in mind it-will be noted that the-aforementioned onepiece' substantially U-shaped adapter bracket is denoted by .the numeral 20 and comprises an inward relatively long arm 22 having a milled interior surface 24. This arm isspaced from and parallel with the outward relatively short arm 26 whose inward surface is also suitably milled (not shown). The righthand coacting end portions of the two arms are connected by a bight portion or web 28. The outward arm is provided with a screw-threaded hole as at 30 in FIG. 1 to accommodate the screw-threaded shank of a setscrew 32 carrying a swivelly mounted clamping head 34 which cooperates in the clamping manner shown in FIG. 3. The upper corner portion, that is the upper edge of the bight portion, is provided with a suitably angled upstanding integral hook 36 to which a looped end portion of the line 18 is detachably connected in the manner shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The'aforementioned flat faced elongated plate 38 has an upper end hingedly joined-as at 40 with an upper edgeof the bight portion. This plate is located between the arms 22 and 26 and depends to the position best shown in FIG. 4. It is disposed between the arms and has its upper end suitably hinged and it constitutes a bracket-angling, position-plumbing and position-changing shoe. This shoe is adjustable and adapted to slidingly abut and travel upwardly along the inclined edge 10 in a manner to regulate the locale and level of the overall adapter bracket 20. An adjusting screw 42 has its shank portion threaded in place as best shown in FIG. 4, has a fingergrip 44 at one end and has a free end portion 46 which is adjustably engageable with the hinged end portion of the shoe 38.

As also brought out in FIG. 1 the adapter bracket 20 is equipped with a unified complements] part which is here designated by the numeral 48 and which is, more specifically stated, referred to as an L-type square. This square comprises a horizontal relatively long leg 50 one end portion of which is welded in place as at 52 to the coacting corner portion of the bracket and adjacent the aforementioned upstanding hook 36. In fact this leg is in a plane with the aforementioned arm 22. The relatively short depending leg is denoted at 54 and is of the approximate length shown to perform the positioning and measuring function illustrated advantageously in FIGS. 2 and 4. At least one face of this short leg is calibrated to include ap-' proximately numbered graduations and to provide a measuring scale 56. This scale when used by an experienced brickmason is employed in the manner shown fully in FIG. 2 and detailed in FIG. 4. By attaching the bracket to the inclined edge 10 of the facia board 8 the bracket is readied for performing use. The adjusting screw 42 is adjusted to properly angle the abutting and guiding shoe 38 so that the shoeequipped bracket can be raised in a step-by-step manner from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the next above position and progressively upwardly as the rows of bricks are laid atop each other. When the bracket is located inthe position, say the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the setscrew 32 is tightened to clamp the bracket in its given position. When in this position, the hook 36 is readied for attachment of an end portion of the line 18 thereto. Also the L-square 48 is in a position to permit the scales to be employed in the manner suggested in FIG. 2. it is a matter of common knowledge that getting brick up and within the confines of the gable framing is a rather difficult part of a brickmason's job. Using the invention shown will save the brickmason two-thirds time as experience has repeatedly shown. It may be added that each end of the row or course of bricks will be laid after the line 18 has been adjusted to the next upward step. It follows that the invention will serve the purposes for which it has been devised and successfully used. Accordingly, a more extended description is deemed to be unnecessary.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shownand described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

l claim:

1. For use by bricklayers and masons when planning and progressively laying up horizontal courses of bricks within confines of triangulate gable-end framing: guideline attaching, positioning and tautening means characterized by a pair of duplicate left and right line holders, each holder comprising, a U-shaped adapter bracket embodying spaced parallel inward and outward arms joined by a bight portion and adapted to straddle respectively cooperable inward and outward surfaces of a pitched facia board, said outward arm being provided with adjustable clamping means which is releasably engageable with a surface of the coacting facia board in a manner to retain the bracket in a set position, an L-type square complemental to said bracket and embodying a horizontal leg and a depending vertical leg, one end of the horizontal leg being joined to and projecting away from the bracket in a manner to locate the vertical leg in a position cooperatively oriented with the bricks of the just-completed course of bricks, said depending leg having an easy-to-see suitably calibrated level measuring scale, and line-end attaching means carried by a predetermined portion of said bracket, said bracket being provided with a self-contained plate constituting a bracket orienting position changing shoe, said shoe being adapted to slidingly abut an inclined inward marginal edge of the facia board as the bracket is shifted step-by-step along the edge of said facia board.

2. For use by bricklayers and masons when planning and progressively laying up horizontal courses of bricks within confines of triangulate gable-end framing: guideline attaching, positioning and tautening means characterized by a pair of duplicate left and right line holders, each holder comprising, a U-shaped adapter bracket embodying spaced parallel inward and outward arms joined by a bight portion and adapted to straddle respectively cooperable inward and outward surfaces of a pitched facia board, said outward arm being provided with adjustable clamping means which is releasably engageable with a surface of the coacting facia board in a manner to retain the bracket in a set position, an L-type square complemental to said bracket and embodying. a horizontal leg and a depending vertical leg, one end of the horizontal leg being joined to and projecting away from the bracket in a manner to locate the vertical leg in a position cooperatively oriented with the bricks of the just-completed course of bricks, said depending leg having an easy-to-see suitably calibrated level measuring scale, and line-end attaching means carried by a predetermined portion of said bracket, said bracket being provided between said arms with an elongated plate having an upper end hingedly joined to the bight portion of said bracket and providing a bracket angling, plumbing, and position changing shoe, said shoe being regulatable and adapted to slidingly abut the inclined inward margin'al edgeof said facia board in a manner to adjust the level of the bracket and to assist the user to progressively shift the bracket from place to place along said marginal edge while maintaining a horizontally level position.

3. The line holder defined in and according to claim 2, and, in combination, a lockable adjusting and retaining screw carried by said bight portion and having a free end in end thrust and adjusting engagement with a median portion of said shoe.

4. The line holder defined in and according to claim 3, and wherein said line-end attaching means comprises an integral upstanding readilyaccessible hook situated on an upper marginal edge of said bight portion, said one end of said horizontal leg being joined to said bight portion in alignment with said hook so that a portion of the level establishing line is alignable with an upper lengthwise edge of the-horizontal leg of said square.

5. The line holder defined in and according to claim 3, and wherein said adjusting screw is operatively mounted on a median part of the bight portion and has an outstanding fingergrip which is readily accessible for convenient use and is provided with a locknut.

6. A brickmason's guideline attaching device expressly designed and adapted to be detachably shiftably mounted on an inclined edge of a facia board in a gable end-frame structure comprising a pair of duplicate companion right-hand and left-hand line supporting holders, each holder comprising an adapter bracket U-shaped in plan and embodying spaced parallel inward and outward arms having milled interior surfaces, said arms being joined by a bight portion and being adapted to straddle said inclined edge, the upper edge of said bight portion being provided with an upstanding line-end attaching hook, said hook being positioned in a plane common with the plane of the inward arm of said bracket, an elongated flat-faced plate disposed between said arms and having an upper end joined by hinge means to the upper edge of said bight portion, said plate constituting a bracket angling, position plumbing and position changing shoe, said shoe being adjustable and adapted to slidingly abut and travel upwardly along the inclined edge in a manner to regulate the locale and level of said bracket, an adjusting and retaining screw operatively mounted on an easily accessible median part of said bight portion and having a free end-to-end thrust angling and retaining contact with a median portion of said shoe, and bracket positioning and brick course laying and level designating means carried by said bight portion, said brick laying and course level indicating means comprising an L-type square which is complemental to said bracket and embodies a horizontal leg and a depending vertical leg, one end of the horizontal leg being joined to and projecting away from the bracket in a manner to locate the vertical leg in a position cooperatively oriented with the bricks of the just'completed course of bricks, said depending leg having an easy-to-see suitably calibrated level measuring scale, and line-end attaching means carried by a predetermined portion of said bracket. 

1. For use by bricklayers and masons when planning and progressively laying up horizontal courses of bricks within confines of triangulate gable-end framing: guideline attaching, positioning and tautening means characterized by a pair of duplicate left and right line holders, each holder comprising, a U-shaped adapter bracket embodying spaced parallel inward and outward arms joined by a bight portion and adapted to straddle respectively cooperable inward and outward surfaces of a pitched facia board, said outward arm being provided with adjustable clamping means which is releasably engageable with a surface of the coacting facia board in a manner to retain the bracket in a set position, an L-type square complemental to said bracket and embodying a horizontal leg and a depending vertical leg, one end of the horizontal leg being joined to and projecting away from the bracket in a manner to locate the vertical leg in a position cooperatively oriented with the bricks of the just-completed course of bricks, said depending leg having an easy-to-see suitably calibrated level measuring scale, and line-end attaching means carried by a predetermined portIon of said bracket, said bracket being provided with a self-contained plate constituting a bracket orienting position changing shoe, said shoe being adapted to slidingly abut an inclined inward marginal edge of the facia board as the bracket is shifted step-by-step along the edge of said facia board.
 2. For use by bricklayers and masons when planning and progressively laying up horizontal courses of bricks within confines of triangulate gable-end framing: guideline attaching, positioning and tautening means characterized by a pair of duplicate left and right line holders, each holder comprising, a U-shaped adapter bracket embodying spaced parallel inward and outward arms joined by a bight portion and adapted to straddle respectively cooperable inward and outward surfaces of a pitched facia board, said outward arm being provided with adjustable clamping means which is releasably engageable with a surface of the coacting facia board in a manner to retain the bracket in a set position, an L-type square complemental to said bracket and embodying a horizontal leg and a depending vertical leg, one end of the horizontal leg being joined to and projecting away from the bracket in a manner to locate the vertical leg in a position cooperatively oriented with the bricks of the just-completed course of bricks, said depending leg having an easy-to-see suitably calibrated level measuring scale, and line-end attaching means carried by a predetermined portion of said bracket, said bracket being provided between said arms with an elongated plate having an upper end hingedly joined to the bight portion of said bracket and providing a bracket angling, plumbing, and position changing shoe, said shoe being regulatable and adapted to slidingly abut the inclined inward marginal edge of said facia board in a manner to adjust the level of the bracket and to assist the user to progressively shift the bracket from place to place along said marginal edge while maintaining a horizontally level position.
 3. The line holder defined in and according to claim 2, and, in combination, a lockable adjusting and retaining screw carried by said bight portion and having a free end in end thrust and adjusting engagement with a median portion of said shoe.
 4. The line holder defined in and according to claim 3, and wherein said line-end attaching means comprises an integral upstanding readily accessible hook situated on an upper marginal edge of said bight portion, said one end of said horizontal leg being joined to said bight portion in alignment with said hook so that a portion of the level establishing line is alignable with an upper lengthwise edge of the horizontal leg of said square.
 5. The line holder defined in and according to claim 3, and wherein said adjusting screw is operatively mounted on a median part of the bight portion and has an outstanding fingergrip which is readily accessible for convenient use and is provided with a locknut.
 6. A brickmason''s guideline attaching device expressly designed and adapted to be detachably shiftably mounted on an inclined edge of a facia board in a gable end-frame structure comprising a pair of duplicate companion right-hand and left-hand line supporting holders, each holder comprising an adapter bracket U-shaped in plan and embodying spaced parallel inward and outward arms having milled interior surfaces, said arms being joined by a bight portion and being adapted to straddle said inclined edge, the upper edge of said bight portion being provided with an upstanding line-end attaching hook, said hook being positioned in a plane common with the plane of the inward arm of said bracket, an elongated flat-faced plate disposed between said arms and having an upper end joined by hinge means to the upper edge of said bight portion, said plate constituting a bracket angling, position plumbing and position changing shoe, said shoe being adjustable and adapted to slidingly abut and travel upwardly along the inclined edge in a manner to regulate tHe locale and level of said bracket, an adjusting and retaining screw operatively mounted on an easily accessible median part of said bight portion and having a free end-to-end thrust angling and retaining contact with a median portion of said shoe, and bracket positioning and brick-course laying and level designating means carried by said bight portion, said brick laying and course level indicating means comprising an L-type square which is complemental to said bracket and embodies a horizontal leg and a depending vertical leg, one end of the horizontal leg being joined to and projecting away from the bracket in a manner to locate the vertical leg in a position cooperatively oriented with the bricks of the just-completed course of bricks, said depending leg having an easy-to-see suitably calibrated level measuring scale, and line-end attaching means carried by a predetermined portion of said bracket. 